Tractor having hitch assembly for mounting a plurality of implements

ABSTRACT

A draw bar and hitch connection for coupling a plurality of substantially identical implements to a tractor, and including means for permitting independent vertical movement of each implement relative to the ground as the tractor traverses the ground. The draw bar and hitch connection includes means for utilizing a power lift apparatus carried by the tractor to transfer a portion of the weight of the tractor to the implements and also includes means for disconnecting the plurality of implements from the tractor without disturbing the weight transfer means.

United States Patent Dedoes Mar. 21, 1972 [s41 TRACTOR HAVING HITCHASSEMBLY 2,070,425 2/1937 Engel ....172/s73 FOR MOUNTING A PLURALITY 0112,884,081 4/ 1959 Weber.... ....172/643 3,439,749 4/1969 Olsson........l72/572 IMPLEMENTS 3,411,589 11/1968 Moe ..172/572 [72] Inventor:Arnold A. Dedoes, 2070 W. Eleven Mile Road, Barney Mich 4 072 FOREIGNPATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 22 Filed; 23, 1970 679,253 9/1952 Great Britain..172/21 10,152 11/1933 Australia ....172/572 [211 P 21,905 966,6398/1957 Germany.... ...172/506 Related U.S. Applicafinnoata 957,7665/1964 Great Britain ..l72/708 [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No.795,853, Feb. 3, Primary Examiner-Robert E. Pulfrey 1969, and acontinuation-in-part of Ser. No. 2,582, Assistant Examiner-C.W.HanorJan. 13, 1970. Attorney-Hauke, Gifford and Patalidis [52] U.S. Cl..172/2l, 172/464, 172/711 [57] ABSTRACT121%13:13am:xifiififfifffiffi?iiiiiziilz i A P a a of 172,478 619 62l 2122 142 624 L substantially identicalimplements to a tractor, andincluding 439, 5 445 2 means for permitting independent verticalmovement of each 497 71 l 706 implement relative to the ground as thetractor traverses the B 2 A 6 d ground. The draw bar and hitchconnection includes means for utilizing a power lift apparatus carriedby the tractor to l 56] References Cited transfer a portion of theweight of the tractor to the implements and also includes means fordisconnecting the plurality UNITED STATES PATENTS of implements from thetractor without disturbing the weight transfer means. 2,414,072 1/1947Taft ..172/464 448,332 3/1891 Funk et a1 ..172/643 9 Claims, 10 DrawingFigures Patented March 21', 1912 3,650,331

4 Shuts-Sheet 1 INVENTOR ARNOLD A. DEDOES ATTORNEYS Patented March21,1972 3,650,331

4 Sheets-Sheet z ARNOLD A. DEDOES av fi w, KW WM ATTORNEYS Patented MarcHi1, 1972 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIGS I II:

I 0 HI r- 5 La III s I} Z a III a n E E FZE O a INVENTOR ARNOLD A.DEDOES BY 4 f aw ATTORNEYS Patented March 21, 1972 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 FIG.IO

FIGQ

INVENTOR ARNOLD DEDOES BY fi m/ ATTORNEYS TRACTOR HAVING HITCH ASSEMBLYFOR MOUNTING A PLURALITY OF IMPLEMENTS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONSThe present application is a continuation-in-part application ofcopending US. application, Ser. No. 795,853, filed Feb. 3, 1969, and US.application, Ser. No. 2,582, filed Jan. 13, 1970.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field Of The Invention The presentinvention relates to tractor implements, and more particularly to ameans for mounting a plurality of substantially identical implementssuch that each implement is adapted for independent vertical movementrelative to-the other implements.

2. Description Of The Prior Art The aforementioned patent applicationsdisclose a hitch assembly for tractors which has means for convertingthe upward motion of a power lift mechanism to a downward force exertedupon the implements attached to the tractor. In the second mentionedapplication a hitch and draw bar assembly is also provided whichincludes means for disconnecting the implement without any interferencewith the weight transfer mechanism. The draw bar and hitch assemblydisclosed in the second application includes a pivotal draw barcomprising a pair of parallel arms pivotally supported intermediatetheir ends on a common pivot shaft supported on the tractor hitchbracket. The outer ends of the arms are provided with means toreleasably and easily connect the implement, such as an aerator or thelike, thereto. The opposite ends of the arms are connected by means ofan extension rod to a weight transfer mechanism which is power actuatedby means operably connected to the tractor driving mechanism. Normallythe arms and thus the implement attached thereto are urged into a raisedposition above the ground by self-acting energy storing means. such astorsional springs, the force of which is overcome by the power actuatedweight transfer mechanism to lower the implement to the ground byapplying a predetermined load thereto.

The releasable implement connection provides a quickchanging couplingmechanism to permit a quick and easy implement conversion without use ofspecial tools or equipment. The quick-change coupling mechanism isattached to a common axle in which a plurality of sub-components of theimplement are carried for rotational movement.

While the construction disclosed in the aforementioned patentapplication has proven to be generally satisfactory, the presentapplication is directed toward an improvement over that construction.The implements of the prior art generally function in an acceptablemanner when passing over level ground; however, when the implement isused on hilly terrain, the valleys in the ground intermediate highpoints which the opposite ends of the implement pass over will beuneffected by the intermediate portion of the implement. It wouldtherefore be desirable to provide a tractor drawn implement in which thevarious subcomponents thereof are adapted for independent verticalmovement relative to one another to permit each portion of the implementto remain in contact with the ground even though the surface of theground is uneven.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION The present invention, which will bedescribed subsequently in greater detail, includes a draw bar having apair of parallel tending outwardly therefrom; each adjacent pair ofsupport bars being adapted to carry one of aplurality of substantiallyvwhich is overcome by the power actuated weight transfer arms pivotallysupported intermediate their ends on a common pivot shaft supported on atractor hitch bracket. In one embodiment of the invention the outer endsof the arm are provided with means to releasably and easily connect asecond cross bar which carries the implements. The opposite ends of thearms are connected by means of extension rods to a weight transfermechanism which is power actuated by means operably connected to thetractor driven mechanism. The second draw bar has a plurality ofresilient support bars exmechanism which lowers the implements to theground and applies a predetermined load thereto. The individual mountingof each of the substantially identical implements permits each implementto traverse the terrain and maintain contact therewith irrespective ofthe vertical position of adjacent implement. This particular novelfeature of independent suspension of each of the plurality of implementsis accomplishedby mounting each implement to the second draw bar bymeans of the resilient support bars.

In a second embodiment the first mentioned draw bar and parallel armsare eliminated and a simplified arrangement is employed to mount theimplements for independent vertical movement relative to the ground.

The several objects, advantages and applications of .the presentinvention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when theaccompanying description of one example of the best mode contemplatedfor practicing the invention is read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The following detailed descriptionrefers to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numeralsrefer to like parts and in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a tractor and an exemplary implement drawnthereby and incorporating the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the tractor and attached implement illustratedin FIG. 1;

' FIG. 3 is a transverse cross sectional view taken through theimplement and rear axle of the tractor as seen substantially along line3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a detached perspective illustration of one wheel section ofthe exemplary implement illustrated in FIGS. l-3 with the aerator striphaving been removed;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the improved means for attaching aplurality of implements and the hitch and draw bar connection andassociated weight transfer mechanism shown in the side view of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a separate fragmentary perspective view of the rear axle ofthe tractor and the associated weight transfer mechanism and mountingmeans for a plurality of implements carried thereby;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary cross section view through the couplingmechanism for attaching a plurality of implements to the tractor as seenalong line 7-7 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view similar to FIG. 5 illustrating a secondembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged transverse sectional view taken generally alongline 9-9 of FIG. 8; and

FIG. 10 is an enlarged transverse sectional view taken along line 10-10of FIG. 9.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings,and particularly FIGS. 1 and 2, there is illustrated a towing vehiclesuch as a tractor l0 equipped with an engine 12 and a transmission 14adapted to drive a pair of rear driving wheels l6, 18, which in turn aresupported on a rear axle 20, for driving engagement with the groundsurface 22. A conventional differential drive mechanism is enclosed inan enlarged portion 24 on the rear axle 20 intermediate the wheels l6,18. A power takeoff unit 25 enclosed within a housing 26 mounted on topof the enlarged axle portion 24 has a pair of arms 28, 30 suitablyconnected to the opposite sides of the output of the power takeoffplements or the like in a vertical direction away from the ground 22.The hitch and draw bar 36 acts to convert the normal upward movement ofthe arms 28, 30 into a downwardly directed force on the implement 34.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 5 and 6 fora more detailed description of theassembly 36 and the implement 34, it can be seen that the pivotallymounted arms 28, 30, each have a yoke 37 formed at one end, on which arepivotally mounted a pair of actuating rods 38, 40. The actuating rods38, 40 extend in a parallel relationship downwardly from the arms 28, 30and are adapted for pivotal connection at their opposite ends by meansof a second yoke arrangement 42, respectively to a pair of parallel,substantially horizontally disposed extension rods 44 and 46, whoseopposite ends are integrally joined to a transverse tubular member 50.The extension rods 44 and 46 are mounted for pivotal movementintermediate their ends on a common pivot shaft 48 extending parallel tothe transverse tubular member- 50. The pivot shaft 48 fixedly carries asupporting tube 52. The pivot shaft 48 is supported on a pair ofbrackets 54 and 56. The brackets 54 and 56 are in turn carried by abracket support member 57 that is rigidly attached to the axle 20. Whenthe implement 34 is not in use and the power lift mechanism 32 is nottransferring a downwardly directed force thereto, a pair of torsionalsprings 58 and 60 wound around the support tube 52 and having extendingends 62 and 64 respectively engaging the underside of the transversetubular member 50, exert an upwardly directed force against the tubularmember 50 so as to lift the same and the implement 34 vertically off theground 22, as will be described in greater detail hereinafter. The otherends 66 and 68 of the springs 58 and 60 respectively are eachnon-movably secured rearwardly of the support tube 52 to eyebolt typefasteners 70, which in turn are carried by the bracket support member57.

A pair of parallel arms 72 and 74 are attached to the opposite ends ofthe transverse tubular member 50 and extend therefrom in a horizontaldirection rearwardly of the tractor and substantially in the same planeas the extension rods 44 and 46. The opposite ends of each of the arms72 and 74 are adapted to be telescopically received in complementaryshaped tubular members 76 and 78. The tubular shaped arms 72 and 74 arerespectively secured to the complementary shaped tubular members 76 and78 by pins 80 and 82 respectively as shown in FIG. 7. Cotter pins 84 and86 insure against accidental removal of the pins 80 and 82. Each of thecomplementary shaped tubular members 76 and 78 is attached to the upperside of a transverse implement draw bar 88 by any suitable fastener suchas by welding as indicated at 90.

The implement 34 is shown for purposes of convenience as comprising aplurality of substantially similar aerator units 92, however it iscontemplated that other units such as graders, rollers, and soil slicersmay be used with the present invention. The aerator units 92 arearranged in a side by side relationship and each is carried on its ownaxle shaft 94. Each of the aerator units 92 is comprised of a wheelassembly 93 adapted for independent rotary motion about its axle shaft94 and is further adapted for independent vertical movement with respectto the ground 22 and adjacent wheel assemblies 93 as the aerator units92 traverse the ground 22 as will be explained hereinafter. The wheelassemblies are connected to the transverse implement draw bar 88 by aplurality of flexible steel support bands 96 the ends of which arefixedly secured to the underside of the implement draw bar 88 by anysuitable means, such as bolts 98. Each adjacent pair of steel supportbands 96 extends outwardly from the implement draw bar 88 in acantilever fashion to the opposite sides of each wheel assembly 93 andis connected to each axle shaft 94 by any suitable means which securelyretains the outer'ends of the steel support bands 96 onto the axle shaft94 whilepermitting free rotation of the wheel assemblies 93.

Referring now to FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 for a detailed description of anotherembodiment of the present invention, the horizontally disposed extensionrods 44 and 46 of the lift mechanism 32 respectively have tubularmembers -and 122 welded to their ends. The tubular members 120 and 122are respectively secured to complementary shaped tubular members 124 and126 by pins or other similar fasteners. 128

and 130, in the same manner as hereinbefore described in the connectionof the complementary shaped tubular members 76 and 78 to the parallelarms 72 and 74.

Each of the complementary shaped tubular members 124 and 126 is attachedto the upper side of a transverse tubular implement draw bar 132 byanysuitable fastener, such as by welding. The extending ends 62 and 64of the torsional springs 58 and 60 engage the underside of thetransverse tubular implement draw bar 132 and exert an upwardly directedforce against the same so as to lift the implement 34 vertically off theground in a manner which will be explained in greater detailhereinafter. The tubular draw bar 132 has a plurality of axially spaced,horizontally extending radial bores 136, each having a threaded member138 axially aligned therewith and welded to the front end of the tubulardraw bar 132.

The units 92 are connected to the tubular implement bar 132 by aplurality of flexible steel round bars 140, the opposite ends 142 and144 being threaded. Each axle shaft 94 of the wheel assemblies 93 iscarried at opposite ends for rotational movement within bearings 145disposed in bearing blocks 146, which are securely retained to the outerends of the axle shafts 94 by any suitable means such as the snap ring147. Each of the bearing blocks 146 has a horizontally disposed threadedbore 148 proximate the top portion thereof which is engaged by thethreaded ends 142 of each round bar 140. The opposite ends 144 of eachround bar extends through the radial bores 136 and engages the threadedmember 138 so as to fixedly retain each wheel assembly 93 to the tubulardraw bar 132. Thus, each adjacent pair of round steel bars 140 extendsoutwardly from the tubular implement draw bar 132 in a cantileverfashion to the opposite side of each unit assembly 92, and is connectedto the individual axle shafts 94 by means of the threaded bores 148 ineach of the bearing blocks 146.

Referring to FIG. 4, each of the substantially identical units 92comprises a central hub portion 104 on which the individual axle shaft94 is carried. The hub is equipped with a pair of spaced spoke wheels106, 108, each having a rim portion connected to the hub portion 104 bymeans of radially extending spokes 110. As can best be seen in FIG. 3the individual wheel assemblies 93 of the aerator units 92 are adaptedto be equipped with a soil penetrating steel band 112 similar to thatdisclosed in applicant's US. Pat. Nos. 3,221,822 and 3,316,979 andcopending application, Ser. No. 795,853. The steel bands 112 are of alength slightly longer than the circumference of the rim portion of thepair of wheels 106, 108, and of a width larger than the space betweenthe wheels 106, 108. The steel bands 112 are provided with a pluralityof equally radially and transversely spaced soil penetration elements116 extending generally in a normal direction from the surface of thesteel bands 112 in the fashion of spikes and are adapted to enter intothe soil of the ground 22.

The steel support bands 96 and the steel round bars 140 must be flexibleenough to permit independent vertical movement of each of the units 92as the implement 34 traverses the ground 22 but strong enough totransmit forces from the arms 28 and 30 to the wheel assemblies 93 aswill become clearer as the description proceeds. As seen in FIG. 2, whenthe implement 34 is traversing hilly terrain, the steel support bands 96or the steel round bars 140 must permit each of the units 92 to movevertically with respect to the ground so that each wheel assembly 93engages the ground 22 irrespective of the vertical position of adjacentwheel assemblies 93. As can best be seen in H6. 5 and FIG. 8 flexiblesteel support bands 96 or the. steel round bars 140 connecting thetransverse implement draw bar 88 or the tubular implement draw bar 132to each of the units 92 must also be of sufficient strength and rigidityas to raise the implements 34 off the ground when the implement draw bar88 or the' tubular implement draw bar 132 is raised by the torsionalsprings 58 and 60 when the power takeoff lift mechanism is notoperative.

When no force is exerted on the actuating rods 38, 40 or when the engineof the tractor is nonoperative, the spring ends 62 and 64 of thetorsional springs 58 and 60 act against the transverse tubularmember 50or the tubular implement draw bar 132 to urge the same and thus theaerator units 92 upwardly away from the ground surface 22. In so doing,the force exerted by the torsional springs 58 and 60 against thetransverse tubular member 50 or the tubular implement draw bar 132 tendsto pivot the assembly 32 around the common pivot shaft 48 to which theextension rods 44 and 46 are secured, thereby drawing the actuating rods38, 40 downwardly.

During operation of the tractor 10, when it is desirable to utilize theimplement 34 for working the ground surface 22, the power takeoff 25 isactuated by the operator of the tractor to actuate pivoting of thelinking arms 28 and upwardly to thereby pull the actuating rods 38 and40 likewise upwardly, to exert an upwardly directed pulling force on theends of the extension rods 44 and 46 to pivot them around the commonpivot shaft 48 against the force of the torsion springs 58 and 60 tothereby move the implement draw bar 88 or the tubular implement draw bar132 downwardly and thus the units 92 of the implement 34 against theground surface 22. Depending upon the type of units 92 utilized and therequired load of these units upon the ground surface, a continuousdownward force can be produced of predetermined magnitudes on theactuating rods 38 and 40 by the power takeoff 25 so as to maintain theimplement 34 at any desired load contact-with the ground surface 22,thus the weight of the tractor is shifted to a downwardly directed forceholding the implement 34 in contact the the ground 22.

If the implement 34 is being drawn over obstructions on the groundsurface 22 or if the ground surface 22 is contoured in a hilly manner asillustrated in FIG. 2, the flexibility of each of the steel supportbands 96 or steel round bars 140 will permit that particular wheel topass over the raised ground while permitting the adjacent wheels tocontinue to engage the relatively lower ground surface. As indicatedhereinbefore, the prior art devices would maintain all the wheels on thelevel of the highest portion of the surface thereby preventing contactwith the lower portions of the ground.

It should be noted that the individual mounting of the units 92 may takeseveral forms other than the cantilever type support bands 96 and thesteel round bars 140. For example, each of the flexible steel supportbands 96 may be replaced with a more rigid steel member which isattached to the implement draw bar 88 by a coiled spring which providesthe resiliency necessary for the implement to function in the mannerhereinbefore described. Still other mounting means may be used such asmounting each support band for pivotal movement relative to theimplement draw bar 88 and using torsional springs similar to thetorsional springs 58 and 60 for biasing the pivotal bands and thus theindividual units upwardly.

Therefore, it can be seen that the present invention has provided ameans for mounting a plurality of substantially identical groundtreating units to be drawn by a tractor or the like in which each of theindividual units is adapted for horizontal movement with respect to theground, while at the same time each unit is adapted for verticalmovement so the units may follow the contour of the ground independentof adjacent units.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is as follows: i

1. In combination with a tractor having a drive axle, a pair of groundengaging wheels carried by the drive axle and a driving mechanismconnected with the drive axle for driving said wheels, said tractorhaving a power lift apparatus, a hitch and weight transfer assembly forattaching an implement to said tractor, said assembly comprising: I

first means attached to said power lift apparatus for converting theupward force produced by said apparatus to a downward force and fortransmitting said downward force to said implement, second meansconnectable between said implement and said first means for attachingand detaching said implement without disturbing said first means, saidfirst means comprising a rotatable link connected to said power liftapparatus, an actuating rod pivotally connected at one end to the freeend of said link and at the other end to one end of an arm, said armbeing pivotally connected intermediate its ends to a support secured tosaid drive axle, the other end of said arm being connected to saidimplement by said second-means and a spring member urging the end ofsaid arm connected with said implement in a direction away from theground and toward an inoperative position,

said implement comprising a plurality of substantially similar groundtreating units, and

third means connectable between said second means and said plurality ofunits for individually mounting said plurality of units for independentvertical movement relative to one another and to the ground as saidplurality of units traverses the ground.

2. The combination as defined in claim 1 and in which said third meanscomprises a support bar connectable to said tractor by said second meansand at least one resilient member carried at one end by said support barand said resilient member carrying one of said units at its other end.

3. The combination as defined in claim 1 and in which said third meanscomprises a horizontal support bar, a plurality of flexible members eachhaving one of their ends fixed to said support bar, the opposite ends ofeach of said flexible members being connected to and rotatablysupporting one of said units such that each of said plurality of unitsis mounted for vertical movement relative to the other of said pluralityof units as said units traverse the ground.

4. The improvement as defined in claim 3, wherein said flexible membersare made from a spring steel.

5. The improvement as defined in claim 3, wherein said support bar is atubular shaft having a plurality of spaced transversely extending bores,internally threaded, means registering with said bore, said plurality offlexible members being metallic round bars having one end threaded andengaging said threaded means.

6. The improvement as defined in claim 5, including bearing means forindividually carrying each of said plurality of units for rotationalmovement about a generally horizontal axis, the other end of saidmetallic round bars being threaded and engaging said bearing means.

7. The improvement as defined in claim 6, wherein said metallic roundbars are made from a spring steel.

8. The improvement as defined in claim I, wherein said arm is providedwith a transverse member and said spring member comprises a coil springwound around said pivot support for said arm in a direction parallel tosaid transverse member, said coil spring having free ends extending awaytherefrom in opposite directions normal to the central axis of saidspring, one of said free ends being restrained from movement, the otherof said free ends being adapted to abut said transverse member to exerta rotational force thereagainst urging said arm upwardly.

9. The improvement as defined in claim 3, wherein said second meanscomprises a tubular member carried by said implement support bar, fortelescopically receiving one end of said arm.

1. In combination with a tractor having a drive axle, a pair of groundengaging wheels carried by the drive axle and a driving mechanismconnected with the drive axle for driving said wheels, said tractorhaving a power lift apparatus, a hitch and weight transfer assembly forattaching an implement to said tractor, said assembly comprising: firstmeans attached to said power lift apparatus for converting the upwardforce produced by said apparatus to a downward force and fortransmitting said downward force to said implement, second meansconnectable between said implement and said first means for attachingand detaching said implement without disturbing said first means, saidfirst means comprising a rotatable link connected to said power liftapparatus, an actuating rod pivotally connected at one end to the freeend of said link and at the other end to one end of an arm, said armbeing pivotally connected intermediate its ends to a support secured tosaid drive axle, the other end of said arm being connected to saidimplement by said second means and a spring member urging the end ofsaid arm connected with said implement in a direction away from theground and toward an inoperative position, said implement comprising aplurality of substantially similar ground treating units, and thirdmeans connectable between said second means and said plurality of unitsfor individually mounting said plurality of units for independentvertical movement relative to one another and to the ground as saidplurality of units traverses the ground.
 2. The combination as definedin claim 1 and in which said third means comprises a support barconnectable to said tractor by said second means and at least oneresilient member carried at one end by said support bar and saidresilient member carrying one of said units at its other end.
 3. Thecombination as defined in claim 1 and in which said third meanscomprises a horizontal support bar, a plurality of flexible members eachhaving one of their ends fixed to said support bar, the opposite ends ofeach of said flexible members being connected to and rotatablysUpporting one of said units such that each of said plurality of unitsis mounted for vertical movement relative to the other of said pluralityof units as said units traverse the ground.
 4. The improvement asdefined in claim 3, wherein said flexible members are made from a springsteel.
 5. The improvement as defined in claim 3, wherein said supportbar is a tubular shaft having a plurality of spaced transverselyextending bores, internally threaded, means registering with said bore,said plurality of flexible members being metallic round bars having oneend threaded and engaging said threaded means.
 6. The improvement asdefined in claim 5, including bearing means for individually carryingeach of said plurality of units for rotational movement about agenerally horizontal axis, the other end of said metallic round barsbeing threaded and engaging said bearing means.
 7. The improvement asdefined in claim 6, wherein said metallic round bars are made from aspring steel.
 8. The improvement as defined in claim l, wherein said armis provided with a transverse member and said spring member comprises acoil spring wound around said pivot support for said arm in a directionparallel to said transverse member, said coil spring having free endsextending away therefrom in opposite directions normal to the centralaxis of said spring, one of said free ends being restrained frommovement, the other of said free ends being adapted to abut saidtransverse member to exert a rotational force thereagainst urging saidarm upwardly.
 9. The improvement as defined in claim 3, wherein saidsecond means comprises a tubular member carried by said implementsupport bar, for telescopically receiving one end of said arm.